Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says Pakistan has never played a diplomatic role with the US so closely until now.

He said that Pakistan’s involvement in peace talks is the result of Pakistan’s role being “enhanced” after the conflict with India last May.

“I believe that Pakistan has reached a place of respect on the international stage, and especially within the Muslim Ummah,” he told Geo News. He noted that the country is in a “unique place” where “people’s trust is in Pakistan”.

“On the other side of this coin, we have never played such a close role in diplomacy with America,” Asif said, adding that both nations have never been closer, even when opening doors to China for Washington.